Silver Dollar Nationals unkind to Crapser

July 21, 2018

Rodney Sanders is always tough to beat. At the I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, Neb., it seems like it’s not even a fair fight.

Sanders—the 2013 and 2014 USMTS national champion—led all 40 laps Saturday night to capture the United States Modified Touring Series main event during the 8th Annual Imperial Tile Silver Dollar Nationals.

Since 2013, “The Sandman” has been nearly unstoppable at the Kosiski family’s 4/10-mile of clay nestled halfway between Lincoln and Omaha at exit 420—only twice, in fact, out of the 10 USMTS main events staged here since his first win five years ago.

The 28-year-old from Happy, Texas, started on the pole and, despite three cautions during the last half of the race and a late charge by Jason Hughes, was never seriously challenged for the $8,000 winner’s share of the prize money.

Hughes, making his first USMTS start since last month’s Masters event at the Cedar Lake Speedway, got by Lucas Schott following the race’s final caution with five laps remaining but could not get close enough to Sanders to make a bid for the lead.

As the current USMTS Hunt for the Casey’s Cup national points leader, Johnny Scott took a provisional and drove Stormy Scott’s back-up car from the 23rd starting spot after needing a provisional to make the show.

Casey Arneson, who started 17th after winning the Real Racing Wheels “B” Main, was seventh at the finish line with Dereck Ramirez, Jake Timm and Jesse Sobbing rounding out the top 10.

Missing in action this weekend due to tornadoes that rocked his hometown of Marshalltown, Iowa, Ryan Gustin’s 85th career USMTS win came at the I-80 Speedway one year ago when he ended Sanders’ stranglehold on the Silver Dollar Nationals winner’s circle.

Sanders recorded his 85th USMTS victory on Saturday. Nearly 10 percent of the those have happened in the Cornhusker State.

What’s on tap: The USMTS Hunt for the Casey’s Cup powered by Summit is back in action with a tripleheader weekend Aug. 2-4. On Thursday, the tour trots into the Springfield Raceway in Springfield, Mo., followed by a Friday night fling at the Humboldt Speedway in Humboldt, Kan. The weekend wraps up Saturday with the 8th Annual Slick Mist Show-Me Shootout at the Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Mo.